Hello,

I have moderate astigmatism and am slightly nearsighted in both eyes (-1.25, -1.75). My Lasik provider here suggested I get regular Lasik, but also said I could get better results with Zyoptix (Custom Wavefront Lasik).

My question is: Is it worth going to Vancouver to get Lasik with the Mel-80 laser? Do the results warrant the trip there? Is there any difference between how the B&L Zyoptix and the Mel-80 will treat my eyes?

One more thing: Is it true that most people with Astigmatism need to have atleast one fine-tuning? If so, I'd hate to have to travel to Vancouver again from Washington, DC!

Refractive surgery is a real surgery with real risks. It typically is better to stay local in case you have a complication. If a complication occurs and you live far from the surgery center - then you would have to miss a lot of work and do a lot of traveling.
The B&L laser is an excellent laser. As is the VISX...as is the Autonomous. The Mel 80 also is a good laser.
Each laser company tries to prove that their laser is better - but in reality - the surgeon is the key to a successful surgery and to successful results. The studies looking into which laser is better have mixed results - showing that each laser works well.

I hope this helps

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

I have to travel and I can't bear taking my contacts.I have tentatively scheduled a pre-op in 2 days but the price is $ 4900.Is it worth waiting and go to Canada( as I must go there anyway for a few months in July/August).I live in L.A and I thought the price was a bit steep.The surgeon is very qualified.Any suggestions?

If you are going to be in the area for a few months, a foreign surgery may not be quite so bad, but there are some issues you need to consider.

Flying from the east coast of the United States to the west coast of Canada makes almost no sense at all. There is nothing in Vancouver BC that is not in Toronto. It may still not make sense to travel east to east for foreign surgery, but at least you would be in the same time zone.

Both of you should probably read http://www.usaeyes.org/faq/subjects/travel.htm

Glenn Hagele
http://www.USAEyes.org

I am not a doctor.

Thank you very much for your reply.I am sad to have to wait another 2 months for surgery, but saving $2000.00 sounds like worth waiting. I have received a complimentary consultation and I am a perfect candidate for the surgery,which makes me confident all will go well.I welcome feedback from people who went to Canada for surgery and any doctor referral.

This is an old thread but I read some of you went to Cananda to under go lasik using the mel 80 machine. Ive read on it and it sure looks like a good laser. Any personal experiences?

I agree with Dr Tattler, please choose your centre not by just the type of laser, though it is definitely important. It is a combination of expertise, high standards of following protocols and hygiene, and laser system.

Wavefront guided procedures also called custom LASIK is the advancement that laser vision surgery has made today. Some laser systems do not support wavefront procedures.
But a poor flap technique can never be compensated by having the most ultra modern laser!
Our experience with the Wavelight Allegretto 400 Hz system has been excellent.
Safala Shroff MD

Another way to say what Dr. Shroff implies is that no amount of technology can compensate for an incompetent surgeon. Focus on the quality of the surgeon, not the tools the surgeon uses to get the result you desire.

Glenn Hagele
http://www.USAEyes.org

I am not a doctor.